Decisions, Decisions

Have you ever been faced with a tough decision? I’m not talking about where to go to dinner, which movie to see or which color shoes to buy. I mean the kind of decision where you truly do not know what to do because it affects your or someone you love’s future.

What do you do when you are faced with such a decision? When you need wisdom? Many people will tell you to weigh the pros and cons. They will say you should choose whatever has the greatest potential for a good outcome. But what are we to do as Christians?

My family has a big decision to make coming up. My son who has epilepsy will be going in the hospital soon to determine if he is a candidate for epilepsy brain surgery. The surgery would remove the part of his brain the doctors believe is the focus of his seizures, hopefully stopping any future seizures from occurring.

My husband and I have been trying to make a decision. We don’t really know yet if we should have the surgery or not. I’ve been praying, reading a lot of information, and talking to other parents whose children have undergone surgery. It is a bit overwhelming. I’ve been guilty of using the phrase, “we don’t know what to do,” when questioned by family and friends.

Today I was reminded of one simple truth as we seek to make a good decision, the best decision. My daughter came home from class with an art project. It was a picture of her reading the Bible. Across the top it said, “The Bible tells us what to do. 2 Timothy 3:16.”

The actual verse reads:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT)

I was reminded that when we feel like we don’t know what to do as Christians, we should always seek Christ first. We can seek Him by spending time in His Word. When we are spending time in His Word daily, life’s decisions don’t seem so overwhelming. We know He is there guiding us, helping us, directing our paths.

I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:104-105 NIV)

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 Amp)

Sometimes when life’s decisions seem overwhelming, we just need a reminder of where our wisdom comes from. I’m so glad my daughter’s art project reminded me.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5